Lincoln Red Imps 0-4 Braga - Rodrigo Zalazar at the double in the Europa League play-offs | OneFootball

Braga are one step away from the Europa League after a comfortable 4-0 victory against Lincoln Red Imps in the play-off first leg. Played 400 km from the Red Imps’ home in Gibraltar, the Warriors made all their advantages count at Estádio Algarve.

The ‘hosts’ failed to take two early chances and fell behind in the 34th minute when Víctor Gómez converted Rodrigo Zalzar’s deep cross. Zalzar made it 2-0 five minutes later after showcasing his skills with both feet and firing into the bottom corner.

Braga extended their lead in the 80th minute when Leonardo Lelo released Zalazar who squeezed the ball past Nauzet Santana. Two substitutes combined in added time to complete the rout , Gabri Martínez picking out Pau Víctor who turned and volleyed into the net.

Lincoln Red Imps 0-4 Braga

Lincoln Red Imps failed to capitalize on two early chances in the Algarve. Toni Garcia fired over the bar before Tjay De Barr pounced on a poor pass from Sikou Niakate and broke clear, the striker sending a weak shot straight at Lukas Hornicek.

Braga got on top and edged closer to goal, Ricardo Horta getting through two defenders and testing Nauzet Santana. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Rodrigo Zalzar sent a cross to the back post where Víctor Gómez headed the ball into the net.

Zalzar doubled the advantage five minutes later after playing a neat 1-2 with João Moutinho. The Uruguayan displayed great skill and execution, taking a left footed touch to get past Ibrahim Ayew before rifling a right footed shot into the bottom corner.

Ricardo Horta picked up an injury shortly after half-time and was replaced by Gabri Martínez. Jean-Baptiste Gorby and Mario Dorgeles then made way for Gabriel Moscardo and Pau Víctor.

Gabri gave Gómez a great chance that he fired over the bar before Braga made it 3-0 in the 80th minute. A lovely pass from Leonardo Lelo found Zalazar behind the lines, his shot taking a slight touch off Santana and bouncing into the net.

Carlos Vicens immediately replaced Zalazar and Fran Navarro with Sandro Vidigal and Amine El Ouazzani. Gabri moved to the left wing and assisted Víctor in added time, the Spanish striker taking a touch, turning and volleying the ball into the net.

El Ouazzani went close to converting another cross from Gabri but the job was well and truly done. Braga couldn’t have asked for a more favourable draw and proved why, certain to finish the job at home next week and book their place in the Europa League.